Western Michigan's key players for 2018: No. 1 Jon Wassink has brains and brawn at QB

The players projected to factor most in the Broncos' 2018 campaign.
Nick Buckley/Battle Creek Enquirer

Enquirer counts down the 20 players projected to be most key to Western Michigan's success in 2018

Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Jon Wassink (16) drops back to pass the ball during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium.(Photo: Mike Carter/USA TODAY Sports)

Why he's No. 1: Selecting the quarterback as the player most key to the team's success isn't exactly original, but there is plenty of evidence from last season to back up that claim. With Wassink as quarterback, the Broncos were 5-3 and playing some of their best football. Without him following a season-ending shoulder injury, the team struggled to move the ball through the air and finished with a 1-3 record. A former three-star recruit and state champion who ranks among Michigan's most prolific high school quarterbacks with more than 8,000 career passing yards, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior had to bide his time for two years playing behind Zach Terrell. After winning a brief competition last spring, he has remained the unquestioned starter. A cerebral player with athleticism and a strong arm to boot, he will look to use those skills to exploit defenses and create a more balanced offense.

Nick Buckley can be reached at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley